Zx3

[SoSleepy]

Hi, well... I didn't see a new member intro thread (and I may be retarded) but howdy all. I'm looking at getting a ZX3 with a manual transmission. I'm actually going to look at one with 133k on it but I was just wondering if there are any telltale signs that would tell me somethings wrong and I should be on the lookout for? Anything specific to focuses (focii?). Anyways I've loved the cars since I was young... well younger than I am now, when I was about 13 my brother had an SVT and it was awesome. Anyways I'm looking for a tuner car and I am a ford fan so I decided on a focus. Will let you know how the buying process goes as I am dead set on getting a ZX3 manual, and it's more of a question of when and not if I get a focus. Looking forward to meeting you all. Thanks!

[GreySkorpion]

Welcome to FF, just don't buy a SPI !!!! At that mileage you ate looking at a timing belt change if it hasn't been done (zetec) and probably the pulleys, water pump and serpentine belt.

[02fordsvt]

Welcome to FF and good luck on the search.

[SoSleepy]

Originally Posted by f250lightnin

Welcome to FF, just don't buy a SPI !!!! At that mileage you ate looking at a timing belt change if it hasn't been done (zetec) and probably the pulleys, water pump and serpentine belt.

I thought the ZX3 only came with the Zetec engine. I had read that the SPI dropped valves or something like that at around 100k so I decided that I would have to avoid it.

[LouBomb]

No SPI in hatchabacks.. only sedans...

Zetec are strong platforms.. Besides obvious tune up maintance you should have no problems..

[TheSteelGator]

2003-04 ZX3's can have the Duratec 2.3, like mine does.

[freemind]

Welcome to the site. My ZX3 had 137,xxx on it when I bought it a little over 3 years ago.

[GreySkorpion]

Forgot zx3 has no spi, oops!!

[SoSleepy]

lol well I went to look at the car and despite it saying it was a stick on the website it was unfortunately automatic. Disappointed by that then they tell me that even though I drove an hour and a half to come see their falsely advertised car that they won't come down on price. I wasn't expecting 1000 bucks but maybe like a hundred for that. Anyways the car was running strong and I loved the way the suspension felt, but I'm gonna have to keep looking around... do they have for sale threads on here??? Hopefully I can find someone close to chicago who is reasonable.

[SoSleepy]

Originally Posted by TheSteelGator

2003-04 ZX3's can have the Duratec 2.3, like mine does.

Is there a noticable difference between Zetecs and Duratecs?

Not that they would be similar but the Taurus I drive runs a 3.0L Duratec and well I like familiar names... I would assume with focuses (focii? SOMEONE CLARIFY WHAT THE PLURAL VERSION OF FOCUS IS) it is the same as with Tauruses (Taurii? good god...) and that the Duratec is the preformance engine that isn't quite as reliable as the standardly equipped one. True?